Headlight



June 4, 1935.

H. J. GRAHAM ADLIGHT Filed Dec, 25, 1931 5 Sheets-Sheet l f lllllll Illllll geen J. GRAHAM or-Iwy.

H. J. GRAHAM June 4, 1935.

yHEADLIGHT Filed Deo. 25,

1951 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 Jlllll HERBERT J. GRAHAM y .orney Patented `lune 4, 1935 UNIFIED STATES HEADLIGHT Herbert J. Graham,-Philadelphia, Pa., assigner toy Electric Service Supplies Company, Philadelphia, Pa., a corporation of Pennsylvania Application December 25, 1931, serial No. 583,157

3 Claims.

This invention relates generally to lamps and more particularly to improvements in the construction Yof headlights, searchlights, floodlights and the like within'the main body of each of i5* which is disposed a reflector and lamp assembly and to which is secured a swingably mounted lens-equipped frontal closure.

In connection with the proper design of lighting units, such as automotive vehicle and locomotive headlights, searchlights, floodlights and the like it is of primary importance to accurately determine the proper focal position of a light source with respect to its reflector in order to obtain a maximum of reflected light in a given direction. Not only is it necessary to initially determine this proper focal relation between the light source and its reflector but it isalso equally necessary to maintain this relation throughout the life of the lighting unit. During the use of 20 the unit circumstances constantly arise which require the removal of the reflector from its supporting and enclosing body and unless means is provided to insure the proper repositionment of the reflector assembly within the lamp body the focal relation between the light source and the reflector is disturbed in consequence of which the reflecting efficiency of the unit is materially reduced. Still another important consideration in connection with the correct design of lighting units of the class to which this invention pertains is the necessity for providing a substantially hermetically sealed or weatherproof casing for the reflector assembly so as to avoid subjecting the reflector to the deleterious influences of moisture, 35; dust and the like.

It is among the principal objects of the present invention to provide a lighting unit including a reflector assembly which is incapable of being secured in position other than in its predeterminedly ascertained proper position and in consequence of which the lamp is arranged with the axis thereof substantially coincident with the true optical axis of the reflector.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a reflector assembly including a reflector and a sleeve secured thereto with the axis of the sleeve substantially coincident with the true optical axis of the reflector, this sleeve being adapted for telescopic reception of a lamp socket in such manner that while the socket may be adjusted axially of the reflector relative Vrotation therebetween is at all times prevented.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of a reflector mounting includ- 55; ing a reflector and rim secured to the peripheral (Cl. A24U-41.5)

edge thereof, this rim being provided with means for effecting a quick-detachable connection to the body of the lamp casing, the arrangement being such that when the reflector is mounted in position within the casing the peripheral free 5 edge thereof is automatically and at all times disposed in a plane paralleling that of the frontal lens of the unit.

Still another and important object of the inven- Y tion is the provision of simple and effective means for retaining a glass lens in the frontal closure of the lighting unit, this means being operative not only to permit the ready removal of the lens for replacement and other purposes but also to effectually prevent angular displacement of the lens within the frame.

Other objects of the invention, such as the provision of means for insuring a, hermetic, weatherproof seal between the lamp body and the closure therefor when the latter is drawn into closed position as well as for preventing any looseness or play between the frontal lens and its frame, will appear more fully hereinafter.

' The invention consists substantially in the combination, construction, location and relative arrangement and operation of parts, all as will be described more fully hereinafter, as shown in the accompanying drawings, and as nally pointed out in the appended claims.

. In the said accompanying drawings, which for purposes of illustration show a preferred construction of the invention:-

'Figure lis a vertical sectional View of a lighting unit, in this instance a headlight, constructed in accordance with and embodying the principles of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a horizontal section through the closure door andv the front portion of the lamp body or casing; p

Figure 3 is a front elevational View of the light- 40 ing unit shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4 is an enlarged vertical sectional View through the closure door and the front portion of the lamp body or casing, this View being taken on the line 4--4 of Figure 3; y K

Figure 5 is a vertical sectional View of the unitary assembly including the reflector and the supporting rim therefor;

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional View taken on the line 6-'6 of Figure 1;

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional View of a modied form of lighting unit wherein the body thereof constitutes the reflecting surface; and

Figure 8 is la front elevational view of the unit shown in Figure 7. y t

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to Figure l thereof, it will be observed that the lighting unit herein shown comprises a main body or casing I of substantially parabolic form. Suitably secured to the bottom of this casing is a downwardly projecting supporting structure II therefor, this structure including suitable means, such as a stud I2 and nut I3 for mounting the lighting unit in position. The front edge of the lamp casing I0 is suitably formedv to provide an inwardly directed, circumferentially extending flange I4, this iiange I4 terminating in an axially extending annular fiange I5. Projecting radially of this axial flange I5 are a plurality of bosses or projections I6. These bosses, which are preferably three in number, are unequally spaced circumferentially of the flange I5 for a purpose which will be explained more fully hereinafter.

The lamp casing I0 is centrally provided at the rear end thereof with an aperture I1 through which is projected a threaded stud I8 having a kerfed head I9. As appears quite clearly in Figure 1 the stud I8 is secured against axial movement with respect to the lamp casing by means of the headed end I9 thereof located externally of the casing and a flanged washer or its equivalent 20 located immediately within the rear end of the casing and suitably secured to the stud. It will thus be apparent that while the stud I8 is fixed against longitudinal displacement it may be freely rotated in one direction or another. Threadedly secured to the free inner end of the stud I8 is a lamp socket 2I the lamp receiving end of which is provided with the usualbayonet slot for quick-detachably receiving a lamp 22 which latter may be of the single or double filament type. It will be understood that when the lamp socket 2I is maintained against rotation, axial adjustmentthereof may be readily effected by rotating the screw I8 in one direction or another. A coil spring 23 embracing the threaded stud I8 and interposed between the washer 20 and the rear end of the socket 2I effectually serves to maintain the socket in adjusted position.

The reflector assembly such as is shown most clearly in Figures l and 5 will now be described. This assembly includes a reiiector 23 of substantially parabolic shape. Preferably, this refiector is constructed of glass with the rear surface thereof suitably treated to afford a reflecting medium of maximum efficiency. In a reflector which is theoretically correct in design the geometric axis thereof is and should be coincident with the optical axis thereof. It is the optical axis about which the reflected light rays should be uniformly distributed. In the great majority of cases, however, the optical and geometric axes of a reflector are not coincident and it is this condition which gives rise to faulty distribution of light from those refiectors wherein the lamp socket sleeve is initially and permanently attached thereto with the axis thereof coincident with the geometric axis of the reflector.

Figure 5 shows the reflector 23 equipped with a lamp socket sleeve 24 the axis of which is coincident with the optical axis of the refiector. Preferably, this lamp supporting sleeve 24 comprises a pair of cooperating fianged ferrules 25 and 25, the Shanks of which are adapted to be joined together with the fianges thereof embracing opposite surfaces of the reflector. It will be understood that prior to securing the sleeve 24 upon the reflector 23. the latter is provided with a centrally located aperture 21, this aperture being of greater diameter than that of the shank of the ferrule 25. The ferrule 25 is initially projected through the aperture 2l' and is adjusted laterally until the axis of the ferrule is substantially coincident with the optical axis of the refiector. The ferrules 25 and 26 are then suitably keyed or locked together so as to provide a lamp socket supporting sleeve the axis of which is coincident with the optical axis of the reector. If desired, and it is preferable to do so, cement or other such material 28 is introduced within the annular space afforded between the Shanks of the ferrules to secure a more permanent connection with the reflector.

As appears most clearly in Figures 5 and 6, the sleeve 24 is provided in the bore thereof with a longitudinally extending groove or keyway 29. The lamp socket 2 I, which is adapted to be telescopically received within the sleeve 24, is provided with a longitudinally extending member 30 in the form of a leaf spring preferably. When the reflectorassembly is positioned within the lamp casing, as will be explained more fully hereinafter, the sleeve 24 is slipped over the lamp socket 2! in such manner that the spring member 32) of the socket is received within the keyway 29 of the sleeve thereby preventing relative rotation between the lamp socket and the reflector.

In those cases where a single filament lamp is employed, the sleeve 24 is predetermnedly fixed with respect to the reflector assembly as to insure the location of the lamp filament along the optical axis of the reflector. By suitably adjusting the threaded stud i8 the lamp socket 2l may be axially shifted to accurately locate the single filament at the focal point of the reflector. In those cases where a double filament lamp is employed, the sleeve 24 is predeterminedly fixed with respect to the reiiector as to insure the location of one of thelamp filaments, preferably that constituting the primary source of light, along the optical axis of the reflector. As in the case of the single filament lamp, this primary source of light may be accurately located at the focal point of the reflector by suitably adjusting the threaded stud I8. The second filament of the double filament lamp, which is that constituting the secondary source of light, is preferably located immediately above the focal point of the reflector. inasmuch as a bayonet and slot type of connection is employed between the lamp and its socket, a certain fixed relation is at all times maintained therebetween. Also, through the intervention of the groove or keyway 29 in the sleeve 24 and the spring member 30 on the lamp socket 2I, a predeterminedly fixed angular relation is at all times maintained between the sleeve and the socket. It will thus be apparent that with the lamp socket received within its sleeve 24, the latter may be initially adjusted angularly with respect to the optical axis of the reflector in such manner that when a double filament lamp is inserted within the socket 2 I, one filament thereof is located at the focal point of the refiector and along the optical axis thereof while the otheriilament thereof is located immediately above the focal point of the refiector. Having thus determined the correct relation between the lamp socket sleeve and the reflector, the parts are permanently secured together as described above and thereafter the socket may be removed and replaced with respect to its supporting sleeve at will without disturbing the proper angular relation therebetween.

While in certain installations it may lbe desirable to employ an axially adjustable socket of the character just described, in other installations the socket 2 I may be carried by the reflector and fixed in position against axial adjustment with respect thereto, thereby eliminating the necessity for the stud I8 and the parts immediately associated therewith. In those instances where the socket 2| is so flxed in position, its proper position longitudinally of the sleeve 24 is initially determined whereupon it is flxed in such predetermined position by any suitable means (not shown herein).

As appears most clearly in Figure '5, the reflector 23 has secured to the free peripheral edge thereof a supporting structure comprising a pair of annular members and 3| which are of such design and are so secured together, preferably by means of rivets 32 or spot-welds, as to clamp the free edge of the reflector therebetween. The member 3U, which is of generally angle crosssection, is arranged with the radially extending branch 33 thereof disposed substantially in the plane of the reflector edge. The remaining branch 34 of the member 30 is arcuately formed in transverse section to snugly fit over the curved rear surface of the reflector 23. The member 3|, which is of generally Z-shaped cross section, is arranged with the central branch 35 thereof disposed flat-wise against the radially extending branch 33. The branch 36 of the member 3| extends axially of the reflector and toward the rear thereof and embraces the peripheral edge of the branch 33. The branch 31 of the member 3| also extends axially of the reflector but in a direction l opposite to that of the axial flange 36. When the members 35 and 3| are secured togetherby the rivets 32 or otherwise, it Will be seen that the peripheral edge of the reflector is permanently clamped within the angle formed between the branch 34 of the member 30 and the branch 35 of the member 3|. Not only do the members 30 and 3| constitute an effective supporting structure for the reflector but they also serve to protect the reflector edge against possible injury.

Provided in the rearwardly extending axial flange 36 are a plurality of apertures 38 which correspond in number and in'their circumferential spacing with the projections I6 provided in the forwardly extending axial flange l5 of the casing I0. It will be `understood of course that the reflector 23 together with its lamp receiving socket and its annular supporting structurels adapted for positionment in the form of a unitary assembly within the lamp casing I0. This is keffected simply and expeditiously by telescoping the flange 36 of the reflector assembly upon the flange l5 of the lamp casing. The flange I5 is of sufficient give or resiliency to permit the free edge thereof to pass over the projections i6 and so permit the latter to snap into the apertures 38 respectively provided therefor. Inasmuch as the projections 6 and their respective receiving apertures 38 are unequally spaced circumferentially of the unit, it becomes impossible to secure the reflector in other than its predeterminedly ascertained correct position. If desired, and it is preferable to do so, a strip of felt 39 or equivalent cushioning material is interposed between the rear surface of the reflector and the branch 34 of the member 30.

The lighting unit as justdescrbed is provided with a swingably mounted frontal closure generally designated by the reference numeral4 4|). This closure comprises a metallic frame element 4| the annular body of which is inwardly directed and curved to provide a substantially ra-l dial flange 42. This frame element 4| is pivotally secured, as at 43, to the lamp casingv l0, the pivotal connection being preferably at thel top of the lighting unit. Secured to the free bottom edge of the frame element 4| in any suitable manner is a freely rotatable stud 44 having a threaded shank and a tool engaging head 45, this stud being longitudinally immovable with respect to its support. When the closure 40 is in the closed position shownv in Figure 1, the stud 44 threadedly engages an interiorlythreaded nut 46 or its equivalent whereby to draw the rear end ofthe frame element 4| tightly against the radially extending flange |4 of the lamp casing l. As appears most clearly in Figure 1, the free outer end of the frame element 4| is reversely bent, as at 41, to provide an annular seat for the lens 48. This lens 48 is preferably provided with an annular shoulder in its frontal surface and adjacent the marginal edge thereof for preventing lateral displacement of the lens within the frame element. The lens 48 is preferably retained in position within its supporting frame through the intervention of a spring wire element 49; This Wire 49 is generally of semi-circular shape having portions alternately offset from the plane of the lens. The free ends of the retaining element 49 are offset rearwardly from the planeof the lens and are adapted to respectively engage the rear edge of the frame element 4|. The design of the retaining element 49 is such as to exert pressure at circumferentially spaced points in the upper half of the lens to thereby force the latter into intimate engagement with the frontal edge of the frame element.

As appears most clearly in Figure 1, the intermediate portion 50 thereof is pivotally secured, as at 5|, to the top of the lens frame. To remove the lens from its frame, it is merely necessary to release the free ends of the retaining wire 49 from engagement with the frame member whereupon the wire may be freely rotated out of engagement with the rear surface of the lens. In order to effect a more positive securement of the lens within its frame and at the same time prevent'relative rotation therebetween, a plate 52 is secured to the bottom of the frame element 4|, this plate being disposed in a plane paralleling that of the lens. This plate 52, which engages flatwise the rear surface of the lens, visprovided with a forwardly projecting lug 53 which is adapted to project freely through a slot cr notch 54 formed in the marginal edge of the lens. To insert the lens 48 in position, the notched edge thereof is introduced between the plate 52 and the frontal edge of the lens frame in such manner that the lug 53 projects through the notch 54 provided in the lens. The wire retaining elevment 49 is then pressed into position whereuponv the lens is held flrmly in position.

In order to effect an hermetic seal or weatherproof connection between the lens and the reflector assembly, an annulus 55 of cork or similar material is interposed between the rear marginal edge of the rlens and the radially extending branch 35 of the member 3| which latter is secured to the reflector. This cork annulus 55 is preferably secured to the forwardly extending axial flange 31 of the reflector assembly. Any suitable means may be employed for securing the cork annulus to the flange 31 against accidental displacement. A preferred and simple expedient is to wire the cork to thisflange. It will be understood that when the frontal closure of the lighting unit is drawn tightly into position by means. of the stud 44, the cork annulus will be compressed and thus afford an effective weatherproofing seal between the lens and the reflector assemblyl and at the same time tend to force the lens into more intimate engagement with its retaining frame.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate a modified construction of headlight wherein the glass reflector such as is shown in Figure 1, is eliminated. This modified form of headlight includes a main body or casing 56 which is stampedout of sheet metal to provide a central dish-shaped section the circumferentially extending free edge of which `is provided with a laterally extending annular flange 51. The interior surface 58 of the body 56 is highly polished or may be coated with a material having high reflecting eiciency for reflecting the light rays emanating from the lamp which latter is received in a socket 60 therefor suitably supported by the body 56. Preferably, the lamp socket 6U is mounted upon an angle bracket 6I the branch 62 of which is secured tothe body 5 by means of a bolt 63 or its equivalent.

As in the arrangement shown in Figure l, the modified form of headlight is also provided with a frontal closure generally designated by the reference numeral 64. This closure is similar in all respects to the closure 48 heretofore described with the exception that instead of being pivotally secured to the top of the lamp casing as in the arrangement shown in- Figure vl, the frontal closure 64 is secured tothe lamp body 56 by the means and in the manner to be now described.

As appears more particular in- Figure 7, the lamp body 56 has telescopically received therewithin an annulus 65 of substantially Z-shaped cross-section. This annulus is provided with an intermediate web 66 and with a pair of oppositely extending branches 6l and 68, the last-mentioned branch being secured in any suitable manner, preferably by welding, within the open end of the casing 5 6 and -in such manner that the intermediate web 66 of the annulus is spaced axially in advance of and lies in a plane paralleling that of the fiange 51 of the lamp body. The axially extending branch 61 of the annulus 65 c onstitutes a support for a gasket 69 of cork or similar material against which the frontal closure 64 may be tightly drawn. Secured to the top point of the annulus 65, as by a rivet 'l5 or other such securing element, is a spring metal element Il of substantially angular cross-section, this element being so positioned that the branch 12 thereof overlies the web 66 of the annulus 65 while the branch 'i3 thereof overlies the axially extending branch 68 of the annulus. It will be observedthat the free end of the branch 'I3 of the spring metal element terminates short of the flange 51 ofthe lamp body and is rolled, as at 14. It will further be noted that the branch 13 of the spring-pressed element'll is free to be forced upwardly and away from the portion of the annulus 65 which it overlies, although this action is resisted by the inherent springiness of the element 1|. n l Y Provided in the bottom of the annulus 65 and at a point substantially diametrically opposed to the point of securement thereto of the element 1I is a struck-out portion l5, this portion being extended forwardly and downwardly with respect to the intermediate web 66 of the annulus 55 for a purpose which will be aparent immediately hereinafter. Y

The frontal closure 6d of the unit is provided with a metallic frame element T6 which is similar in all respects to the element 4i of the construction shown in Figure l. It will be observed that this frame element 16 is provided about its inner circumferential edge with a reversely bent lip 11,

this lip being adapted for telescopic engagement over the forwardly extending portion of the branch 68 of the annulus 65.l As appears quite clearly in Figure 7 the lip 11 is adapted for insertion beneath the freely extending branch 13 of the spring-pressed element 1|, the arrangement being such that when the lip 17 of the frontal closure is thus engaged beneath the springpressed element 'H the top of the frontal closure is retained against axial displacement forwardly with respect to the lamp body. The bottom of the frame element 16 is provided with an interiorly threaded boss 'i8 through which is upwardly extended a stud 19 having a knurled operating head 80. The inner end of the stud "i9 is tapered, as at 8|, and is adapted to engage the under surface of the struck-out element 15. It will be apparent that when the stud is rotated so as to project it upwardly against the element T5, the inclined bottom surface of the latter will cause the frontal closure 64 to be forced tightly into the closed position shown in Figure 7 and in so doing will cause the gasket 69 to be compressed between the glass lens of the frontal closure and the intermediate web 66 of the annulus 65. In order to remove the frontal closure, it is merely necessary to back out the stud 'i9 sufficiently to permit the tapered end lthereof to pass freely beyond the lowered end of the inclined element l5, whereupon the frontal closure may be rotated outwardly and upwardly to effect the disengagement of the lip 11 from beneath the upper spring element 1|.

It will be understood of course that the present invention is susceptible of various changes and modifications from time to time Without departing from the real spirit or general principles of the invention as hereinbefore expressed.

What is claimed as new and useful is:-

1. In a lamp, a unitary reflector assembly including a glass reflector and a mounting therefor, said mounting comprising a pair of ring members having radially extending flanges secured together in flatwise relation, said members being provided with relatively divergent portions to provide an annular seat within which the peripheral edge of the reflector is received, one of said divergent portions being provided with a flange extending axially in advance of the re-l fiector for supporting a cushioning gasket, and a frontal closure for the lamp having a lensequipped frame'adapted to embrace said mounting with the lens thereof in abutting relation with respect to said gasket.

2. In a lamp, a main body for enclosing a light source, said body being provided with a frontal opening, a lens-equipped closure member for said opening, a reflector assemblydisposed within said body and including a glass reflector and a mounting therefor, said mounting comprising a pair of ring members permanently secured together and between which is received the peripheral edge of the reflector, means for quick-detachably securing said reflector assembly in position within said lamp body,'and a cushioning gasket carried by one of said ring members axially in advance of said reflector, said gasket being axially in alignment with the peripheral edge of said reflector engageable by said closure member when the latter is secured in 'closed position to effect a weather-tight seal between said closure member and the peripheral edge of the reflector.

3. In a lamp, in combination, a main body having an inwardly oset circumferentially extending ange at the frontal edge thereof, a reflector assembly including a glass reflector and a, metal mounting therefor, said mounting including diverging flanges between which the reflector edge is received and a rearwardly directed llange for telescopic engagement with said main body ange, one of said telescopically engaged flanges being provided with a plurality of radially extending unequally spaced projections for reception within a corresponding number of recesses respectively provided in the other of said llanges, and a lens-equipped closure member hinged at one point to said main body and having an annular frame the rear edge of which is adapted to engage the annular shoulder formed between the main body and said olset circumferentially extending flange.

HERBERT J. GRAHAM. 

